Let Freedom Ring!
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:24-26 NKJV
So if the Son sets you free, you are free through and through. John 8:36 The Message
Recently while attempting to drive through downtown I had the misfortune of being stuck in extensive traffic. I soon realized to my dismay I’d forgotten a popular rapper was in town and in concert at an arena in close proximity. As traffic inched along through the area, I was able to take in the sights and sounds of the young people who had parked their cars in nearby lots. As scores of young people made their way to the venue, I was struck by the glittering, revealing clothing being paraded by the young ladies and the thuggish street gear worn by the young men. Many were noisy and boisterous and seemed to have little to no sense of decorum. Profanities and obscenities filled the night air, and the lewd behavior I witnessed literally made me blush.
I was overcome by a sense of sadness as I watched. These young people acted like they were having the time of their lives, but in so many of their young-but-old faces, I saw a deep- rooted cynicism; even pain and emptiness. They were at an age when they should have been vibrant with youth and enthusiasm at the joy and discoveries of life, but instead seemed hardened and cold. Rather than being happy-go-lucky and carefree, their very lifestyle was rendering them insensitive and indifferent, held captive to destructive behaviors and choices they would be sure to later regret.
The religious leaders of Jesus’ time experienced captivity as well. Just as the young people I observed that fateful night, these leaders believed they “had it going on”. Instead, they were in bondage to an unspiritual mindset that left them no room for real compassion and true godliness. They believed they were free; instead, they were in bondage of the worst sort. Recognizing this horrible reality Jesus sought to bring them to an understanding regarding what true freedom required: acceptance of His offer of eternal life. Let’s continue to be ever mindful of that fact and resolve to share the freeing, life-changing news of the Savior with everyone we meet. Let freedom ring!
Be Blessed.
Evangelist Joyce L. Rodgers
Primary Purpose Ministries
JULY 2008
JUNE 30 - JULY 4
Intíl COGIC AIM Convention
Detroit, MI
(940) 323-0754
JULY 11 @ 7:00 PM
Grace For The Nations
Grand Rapids, MI
(616) 974-9128
JULY 13 @ 10:00 AM
St. James Baptist Church
Austin, TX
(512) 928-2753
JULY 17 @ 7:30 PM
Sanctuary of Praise Ministries
Orlando, FL
(407) 294-5487
JULY 18 @ 7:30 PM
Upper Room COGIC
Raleigh, NC
(919) 829-6160
JULY 20 @ 8:00 AM & 11:00 AM
West Angeles COGIC
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 733-8300
JULY 22 @ 7:00 PM
Temple of Deliverance COGIC
Memphis, TN
(901) 521-9160
JULY 24 @ 7:30 PM
South Jersey Jurisdiction
Glassboro, NJ
(856) 422-0407
JULY 25 @ 7:00 PM
Dr. Yvonne Capehart Ministries
Oakland, CA
(850) 439-1410
JULY 26 @ 7:00 PM
So. Calif. 1st Jurisdiction
San Diego, CA
(323) 779-3219
JULY 31 @ 7:00 PM
Calif. NW Jurisdiction
Fresno, CA
(831) 394-2774